CPT
90472 — Immunization admin; each additional vaccine
Vaccine — admin (90471) is separate from the vaccine product code.
Vaccines
90471 — Immunization administration, single vaccine
Administration fee for a single vaccine. Separate from the vaccine product code.
- Typical setting: Doctor's office or pharmacy
- National avg charge (illustrative): Insurance allowed $15-$40 per administration.
- Most-disputed reason: Charged to patient when ACA preventive coverage applies.
What it means
What 90471 actually means
CPT 90471 is the immunization administration fee for the first vaccine given at a visit (additional vaccines bill 90472). It's separate from the vaccine itself.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Cost-share applied when ACA-covered preventive vaccine should be $0.
- Billed multiple times for a multi-vaccine visit (should use 90471 once + 90472 for additional).
- Billed without a corresponding vaccine product code.
If you see 90471 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 90471 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
90651 — Human papillomavirus vaccine types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, nonavalent , IM
Vaccine — admin (90471) is separate from the vaccine product code.
CPT
90670 — Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 13 valent , IM
Vaccine — admin (90471) is separate from the vaccine product code.
CPT
90671 — Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 15 valent , IM
Vaccine — admin (90471) is separate from the vaccine product code.
CPT
90677 — Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 20 valent , IM
Vaccine — admin (90471) is separate from the vaccine product code.
CPT
90686 — Influenza vaccine, quadrivalent, IM
Should be free under ACA. Any charge is likely a coding error.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 90471 on a bill.
90471 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
Should my flu shot be free?
For most ACA-compliant plans, yes — both the vaccine and the administration fee are covered at $0. If you got a copay, request a re-bill or dispute the cost-share.
Don't pay 90471 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.